LOS ANGELES, March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- One lucky travel agent will enjoy an elegant, French-style dinner with nine friends, prepared in the comfort and privacy of their own home by renowned Swiss Chef Joerg. Travel agents are invited to enter the contest after booking a client on Viking River Cruises 2007 Switzerland to Belgium itinerary, a 12-night voyage visiting five countries along the legendary Rhine River. Viking River Cruises announced the travel agent contest in conjunction with limited-time savings of $400 off per cabin plus air from $445 per person on the featured itinerary -- providing benefits for both customer and agent.

The winning travel agent receives a six-course gourmet dinner, complete with paired wines, prepared with expertise by Swiss Chef Joerg from Zurich, Switzerland. Previously, Chef Joerg entertained diplomats, dignitaries and celebrities with his culinary delights at the Dolder Grand Hotel. A two-time winner of the Swiss "Best Of" competition, Chef Joerg is currently the Chef and Proprietor of the Vine Grotto in Kirkland, Wash. -- recently rated "Hottest New Spot in the Eastside."

Travelers will also enjoy fine European cuisines and wines on the Switzerland to Belgium cruise vacation. Passengers visit Antwerp, Brugge, Rotterdam, Gouda, Amsterdam, Arnhem, Cologne, Koblenz, Braubach, Rudesheim, Heidelberg, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach, and Basel. Tours of a medieval castle, exploration of the Black Forest, wine tastings and additional daily shore excursions provide opportunities for in-depth cultural exploration. Passengers who book with their travel agent and pay in full between now and June 1, 2007 for any 2007 departure, will save $400 per cabin and get all-inclusive airfare (including all taxes and fees) from just $445 per person. Travel agents simply ask for offer "30K" (see entry form for restrictions) at time of booking.

Travel agents have the chance to win dinner from a personal chef with just one booking, but the more they book, the better their chances. Viking River Cruises will award dinner by Swiss Chef Joerg to the agent with the most bookings on 2007 Switzerland to Belgium cruises between now and June 1, 2007. Travel agents should visit http://www.chef.vikingrivercruises.com/ to download an entry form. The form must be completed and faxed back to Viking River Cruises by June 1, 2007.

About Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises, the world leader in river cruising, offers quality service, gourmet cuisine and comfortable scenic cruising along Europe, Russia and China's majestic rivers. The company has been honored multiple times on Conde Nast Traveler's "Gold List" and Travel & Leisure's "World's Best" Awards. Travel agents have recognized Viking River Cruises as "Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising" (TravelAge West); "Best Cruise Line - River Cruise" (Recommend), and "Best River Cruise Line" by Travel Weekly. Additionally, the company was named "Best River Cruise" twice by CruiseReport.com. Since its 1997 inception, the company has grown to a fleet of 21 vessels, and provides a unique, affordable vacation to experienced travelers with an interest in geography, culture and history. For additional information, contact Viking River Cruises at 1-877-66VIKING (1-877-668-4546) toll-free or visit the company online at vikingrivercruises.com

CONTACT: Melanie Burke of Ketchum, +1-310-584-8315,
Melanie.burke@ketchum.com, for Viking River Cruises

Web site: http://www.chef.vikingrivercruises.com/

Web site: http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/